Trump Delivers Combative Year-End Address Amid Explosive Chief of Staff Interview
WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Donald Trump delivered a defiant prime-time address to the nation on Wednesday night, December 17, 2025, marking the end of his first eleven months back in office with a mixture of economic boasting and sharp political attacks. Speaking from the Diplomatic Room of the White House, the President touted what he called a "historic economic comeback," highlighted by core inflation hitting a five-year low and the announcement of a "Warrior Dividend"—$1,776 checks for 1.45 million military personnel.
However, the speech, dubbed the "Bah! Humbug!" address by critics for its aggressive tone, was largely overshadowed by a series of explosive interviews given by his Chief of Staff, Susie Wiles. In 11 candid conversations with Vanity Fair, Wiles described the President as possessing an "alcoholic’s personality"—despite being teetotal—and admitted that while he doesn't "wake up thinking about retribution," he will "go for it" when given the opportunity.
The Wiles interviews have sent shockwaves through Washington, particularly her comments regarding the second-term cabinet, which she labeled a group of "disruptors" designed to tackle the "deep state." She also expressed misgivings about billionaire Elon Musk’s approach to government efficiency, specifically his dismantling of USAID.
On the policy front, the Trump administration on Thursday also approved a massive $11 billion arms sale to Taiwan, including HIMARS rocket systems and drones.The move prompted an immediate and "resolute" condemnation from Beijing.Domestically, the President signed a new executive order aimed at preventing states from regulating Artificial Intelligence, arguing that local rules stifle national innovation.